Sign language interpreter to take on London Marathon

A SIGN language interpreter from Astley is running the London Marathon to raise at least £2,000 for a deaf children’s charity.

Helen Campbell, 54, has worked with deaf people for 18 years and is running the marathon in April for the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS).

The freelance British Sign Language interpreter has started her training and fundraising early in a bid to raise as much as possible.

Mrs Campbell said: “This is a real personal challenge for me. Training will be hard work, particularly throughout the winter months but raising the money will be the biggest challenge.

“By the time I run it I’ll be 55 and I just thought it was time to have a go.”

Mrs Campbell is also qualified in a number of therapies such as reflexology, natural facelift massages and hypnotherapy, which she is offering at her home in Astley in return to donations and sponsorship.

The usual cost of the treatments ranges from £25 to £60 per session but Mrs Campbell is offering people the chance to try them for whatever they can afford to donate.

Helen Lerwill, NDCS head of community and events, said: “There are around 45,000 deaf children in the UK and 90 per cent of deaf children are born to parents with no previous experience of deafness.

“Ninety-five per cent of our work is funded by the public so the commitment of people raising money by taking part in events such as the London Marathon helps us provide much needed support to deaf children and their families.”